I was coaching flag fooball this weekend as part of the NFL flag football program in my local community. The age range was 7-8. To say it was a challenging experience is an understatement. It is five on five, and since the kids are so young, I really only had one defense a base 3-2 and the kids started to get it. The defense got broken down because the other team had a good qb and receiver and they were constantly busting the zone with long passes which shocked me at this age. But, I think a zone at that age is much preferable to a man in terms of pursuing the ball and I can work with them on the back 2 guys picking up any receivers who stretch out the zone.
On offense I ran a 1 WR, 1 C, 1QB, and 2 RBS and it was a disaster. I tried to make it as simple as possible, handoffs and I would either call out in the huddle one of the running backs or the wide receiver on an end a round. We got creamed 35-6 to the Jaguars.
Anyone have any suggestion on how to coach offense (or defense for that matter) for kids this age? I figured someone on here must have coached. Any tips would be greatly appreciated about how to run practices, how many plays I should have (right now I am thinking of teaching them 2 offensive plays per week and expanding playbook as season goes on if they grasp everything from the week before, if not keep working on those plays).
Thanks in advance if anyone has any advice!
Very occasionally we attempt a pass and usually just if we are up big to give the other team a break.
On defense its go get the flag of the guy with the ball.
Just make sure they all get a chance to run the ball and are having fun. Don't worry about the score
I would also go 2 WR's on O to spread out the other team and run simple dives
I thought that going into the first game, but the other team was really well drilled. Since the age range is 7 to 8 and my son is 7 and it is his first year in the league, its possible that the team we played had played together the year before, but they seem to be organized in what they were doing. I actually though the kids did a great job stopping the run because I kind of had that preconceived notion that the fast kid would just take it to the house. The way they actually scored on us was passing. It's definitely bursted my preconceived notions which was like yours.
I would also go 2 WR's on O to spread out the other team and run simple dives
The problem with going man on defense is that they can spread you out right and then you are vulnerable to the fast kid taking it to the house if he is faster than yours. If you play a zone like 3-2 or a 2-1-2, at least you can contain any run play if the kids are disciplined to stay in their positions until the ball crosses the line and then swarm to the ball carrier. Just bouncing off ideas.
I would also go 2 WR's on O to spread out the other team and run simple dives
That is my plan for next week. I am going to have two plays both from with a formation like this
WR1 C WR 2
QB
RB
the first play I am going to have the wr1 and wr 2run behind the qb and the rb run straight and we will pre determined who will get the ball. The second play is how you mentioned it, have rb dive on a bit of a delay and have both wrs run straight. Also to mix it up, I will have the qb in play 2 throw the ball once in a while if I feel in practice one of the kids can get the ball to the receivers about ten yards down the field.
no blocking or physical contact of any kind and the center can't go out, so I really don't know what to do with the center to be honest.
As for strategy: On offense - misdirection. Cutbacks. Shovel or short as in less than 5 yards pass. Like an option play but the "pitch" is forward so it won't be a fumble.
Two ends on the line. On defense, best player in the middle on the center if no blocking. Ends contain. Teach pursuit angles inside out. Two LBs switch to 1 LB 1 Cover guy if they have a kid that can throw and catch.
Drills...kids love to play Sharks and Minnows. Also, line 'em up across from each other and just pass the ball(s). Have 'em step back till it gets really difficult. You'll find your QB(s) that way (and WRs). The jingle-jangle drill is good too.
Other posters are right -- I don't think the actual plays matter that much...some kids are good and focused and will make plays, others not so much. We had as much success w/ chump run plays as we did w/ ambitious, drawn-up pass plays. I was really surprised.
Above all -- make sure they have fun (not hard) and YOU have fun. We lost a 13-12 heartbreaker y'day and I still had a blast.
Quote:
And have your best athlete cover their WR.
I would also go 2 WR's on O to spread out the other team and run simple dives
That is my plan for next week. I am going to have two plays both from with a formation like this
WR1 C WR 2
QB
RB
the first play I am going to have the wr1 and wr 2run behind the qb and the rb run straight and we will pre determined who will get the ball. The second play is how you mentioned it, have rb dive on a bit of a delay and have both wrs run straight. Also to mix it up, I will have the qb in play 2 throw the ball once in a while if I feel in practice one of the kids can get the ball to the receivers about ten yards down the field.
Well good luck with it Essex it sounds like you truly enjoy it buddy.